Chapter 36

With a soft sound, Robert tore an expensive postage stamp in half, folded it, tore it again, shredded it into pieces, and tossed it into the coffee cup before him. Everyone, including Stephen, was stunned, but immediately understood. A smile played on Stephen's lips.

At Kendrick's table, a man in his fifties silently clapped and whispered, "This young man is awesome." Kendrick and Marilyn didn't understand.

"Mr. Hoffman already possesses one stamp and wants the other," someone explained. "But stamps aren't luxuries; they're collectibles. Their value lies in uniqueness. Mr. Hoffman wants a complete set, but by destroying his stamp, Robert made the remaining one irreplaceable—more valuable than a pair. Regardless of Mr. Hoffman's reaction, he's obligated to accept this 'gift'—the favor has been done, and must be repaid."

Marilyn and Kendrick, initially confused, now understood Robert's actions. Kendrick's already gloomy face darkened further. He'd intended to embarrass Robert, but Robert had unexpectedly excelled. Seeing the elders' approving glances, he realized how highly Robert was regarded.

Marilyn smiled radiantly. She glanced at Robert, who was also looking at her. He seemed different—more resolute, as if proving something.

The others' reactions had been varied. Initially, some thought his performance was rehearsed, but the impromptu destruction of the stamp disproved that. Connor and Naomi looked shocked. Robert's adaptability was truly remarkable. The contrast between him and their own juniors was stark.

What was wrong with "climbing the social ladder"? A capable man wasn't climbing; he was reaching for greater heights. Only the incapable and complacent were seen as climbers. The Labelle family was fortunate to have such a talented young man.

Stephen looked at the coffee-soaked fragments and smiled slightly. "Thank you all for coming. Please, enjoy your meal!"

This ended the matter. Everyone raised their glasses. Whispering to himself, Stephen added, "This young man is good. Send him to my study later. If he's someone I can mentor, let him follow me."

Stephen's grandson's eyes widened. Dissatisfaction flickered, but he dared not speak out. He merely nodded and glared subtly at Robert.

During the meal, Kendrick felt increasingly frustrated. Many people approached Robert's table to chat. Someone even toasted Connor, praising his good taste. Connor, seeing Robert's silence, accepted the toast graciously.

Marilyn's bright eyes were filled with envy—not of others, but of Naomi, who had her family's support and was with Robert.

After lunch, Robert stepped outside the Hoffman manor for some air.

"Robert, is it?" A cold voice cut through the air.

Robert turned to see a middle-aged man—a relative of Stephen's, whom Robert recognized from the luncheon. The man's high status was evident. Robert nodded.

The Hoffman relative looked at Robert with displeasure. "You're young and arrogant. Didn't Naomi tell you to curb your pride in the Hoffman family?"